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Red Arrows
tease spectacular 2017 display

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will not be flying over Devon this weekend due to ongoing issues with their engines, it has been confirmed.

A number of planes, including the Lancaster Bomber and two Spitfires, were set to appear in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over Sidmouth and Dartmouth this weekend.

But the planes were grounded due to engine issues – and Sidmouth town council have now confirmed that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will not be able to fly above the town on Friday as they have been grounded by the RAF. But they have added that the Red Arrows are still set to fly.

Lancaster bomber

A statement on the council’s website said: “The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) have today confirmed that despite engineers' efforts over the past two weeks, they will not be able to perform at Sidmouth this year due to continuing investigations into Merlin engine problems.

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“This has affected a number of airshows across the country but the safety of the spectators and the aircrews is of course paramount.

“While we are very disappointed not to have a visit from the BBMF we are delighted that the RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, are still scheduled to display as usual on Friday, August 25, at 6.30pm to kick off Sidmouth Regatta Weekend in style.

“Spectators are asked to be as generous as they can with donations to enable the Reds and hopefully other groups like the BBMF to return next year.

The Red Arrows in Sidmouth

“Anyone wishing to volunteer to collect to help keep this air display an annual event should contact Oliver Salter on 07966 064685.”